Proctor No Gamble In Victory

Scott Proctor helped himself out in his attempt to head north with the big ball club by throwing 4 shutout innings against the Astros en route to an 8-1 Yankees win. The Yankees had planned on converting Proctor into a starter at Triple-A Columbus, but injuries to Carl Pavano, Aaron Small and Jaret Wright have given Proctor a shot at making the Yankees bullpen. Tonight Proctor was the starter as the Yankees romped over the Astros to win their second straight.

Leading 1-0 in the fourth, Alex Rodriguez had his first hit of the Spring, a 2-run home run off Astros starter Carlos Hernandez. Two batters later Hideki Matsui hit a solo shot, his third home run of the month. Luis Garcia broke the game open in the 7th inning when he belted a three-run shot, his second in as many games.

Gary Sheffield, A-Rod, and Matsui (added an RBI single) combined for 6 of the 10 Yankee hits.

The Astros managed just 2 hits and a walk against Proctor, and didn't fare much better against the Yankees bullpen. Colter Bean, Mariano Rivera, Mike Myers, Tanyon Sturtze, and Kyle Farnsworth worked one inning each, allowing only two more hits and the lone Astros run (a Luke Scott home run off of Sturtze).

The Yankees improved to 11-12 with the win. The Yankees travel to Ft. Myers on Friday for an afternoon match up with the Minnesota Twins.

Notes

Mariano Rivera's appearance against the Astros came one night after facing the Boston Red Sox - Rivera's first consecutive appearances of Spring Training.

Jaret Wright played catch for 10 minutes Thursday afternoon and reported no ill effects. Wright could throw a bullpen session on Saturday and could be back in game action next week.

Jorge Posada was released from the hospital Thursday, one day after breaking his nose on a throw from fellow catcher Kelly Stinnett. Joe Torre expects Posada back in the lineup next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Randy Johnson looks to make it three straight solid starts as he faces the Carlos Silva and the Minnesota Twins in a nationally televised game (ESPN2 @ 1:05) on Friday. Bernie Williams, Robinson Cano, Andy Phillips, Bubba Crosby, Stinnett and Miguel Cairo are expected to be on the travel roster.